Re: Isaac's apartment
Wow. You know, I think this is the first concrete (so to speak!) description I've ever read of the "loft" type urban housing that explains why they really aren't a "middle-class family" solution. Or OTOH, raises the question as to why those who convert old buildings *into* lofts aren't interested in making them suitable for families, even small ones.
By "small ones" I mean not just of single-parent or single-child families, but of my own family from time to time that consists of myself and my elderly mother. She would hate the lack of a garden and the ratty outdoors part; the nuisance of noise and erratic hot water due to neighbors; the unfinished construction parts; and the lack of close-in or covered adjacent parking would make things harder for her, her elderly friends, and anyone who happens to be driving them somewhere, especially when they're ailing.
*blinks* I guess I'll have to keep that in mind for the next time I move (coming soon).